BIGGER, BETTER FESTIVAL ON THE FOURTH FEATURES NEW ADDITIONS, SUNSPHERE ILLUMINATION AND HONORS CITY

BIGGER, BETTER FESTIVAL ON THE FOURTH FEATURES NEW ADDITIONS, SUNSPHERE ILLUMINATION AND HONORS CITY’S 225th ANNIVERSARY

The City’s Festival on the Fourth celebration in World’s Fair Park will feature Knoxville’s largest fireworks celebration, and in honor of the City’s 225th anniversary, the base of the Sunsphere will be illuminated with red, white and blue lights.

The Fourth of July festivities begin at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Festival goers will enjoy musical performances by Kelsey’s Woods, Misty River and Fourkast on two Festival stages.

The Tennessee National Guard will have a Humvee on site so attendees can get an up-close look at the military vehicle. The Office of Special Events will be handing out the ever popular free “liberty hats,” and new this year, Blue Lizard has generously provided sunscreen samples that will be available at the City’s information booth.

The always-entertaining competition between the City’s Police and Fire departments has a new twist this year. Instead of a tug-of-war, KPD and KFD will be competing for bragging rights in a 4 p.m. paddle boat race on the Lake at World’s Fair Park.

The Festival will have its signature paddleboats available on the “Lazy River,” as well as some new activities for everyone to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to participate in Home Depot’s life-size Connect 4 Game, practice skills at a 9-hole Putt-Putt Golf course, challenge friends and family members in a water balloon game, or ride on a carousel!

In celebration of Knoxville’s 225th anniversary, there will be some special surprises at the Festival on the Fourth. Also, representatives from Historic Homes of Knoxville will be on site with information and displays. Vintage photos of Knoxville will stream on jumbo screens throughout the day.

The highlight of the evening will begin at 8 p.m. with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s free Pilot Flying J Independence Day Concert. The two-hour show features a mix of patriotic and Americana pieces conducted by the KSO’s new Musical Director Aram Demirjian.

As part of the 225th anniversary celebration, the annual fireworks show will be louder, bigger and more colorful. The 15-minute show will begin at 9:35 p.m.

No alcohol, tents or pets are allowed in the park for Festival on the Fourth. The evening featuring great music, great food and great activities promises to be a memorable celebration for Knoxvillians.